Tag: Smoky Mountain Tourism

Leaf Peeping Season in the Smoky Mountains

Posted on October 21, 2022 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Changing Fall Foliage in the Smokies dirt road

We’ve finally made it to that much-awaited time of year when the weather cools down and the fall foliage hits its climactic changes. Peak leaf peeping season is in full effect. The Smoky Mountains are bursting into wondrous red, orange and yellow hues – a must-see for locals and visitors alike.

Best Times to See Fall Colors

Click here for an interactive 2022 Foliage Map & Nationwide Peak Leaf Forecast.

Fall color changes begin as early as mid-September at higher elevations, maintaining their beauty through mid-November. In the Smokies, you can expect peak fall foliage to occur in late October.

The Smoky Mountains’ long colorful season exists because of the different weather patterns found in the region’s various altitudes. Things cool down much more quickly at higher elevations, causing the leaves to transform earlier, like at Clingman’s Dome. Meanwhile, places at lower el

Fall is one of the park’s busiest times of the year, so we suggest making a game plan ahead of time. Here are several family-friendly trails we recommend hiking.

Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.3-mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap.

Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. It is a reasonably steep climb, but the panoramic views at the top that extend nearly 100 miles are worth the effort.

Rich Mountain Loop Trail is located in Cades Cove and is only mildly challenging, so it should be acceptable for all family members. Because it is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and make the short walk to the trailhead.

If a country drive is more your speed, enjoy the changing foliage from your car by cruising the Cades Cove Loop, the Foothills Parkway or Balsam Mountain Road.evations, like Cades Cove, take a bit longer to kick into gear.
For a unique peek into fall in the Smoky Mountains, check out this video by our good friends at Visit My Smokies.

Planning Your Leaf Peeping Adventure

Fall is one of the park’s busiest times of the year, so we suggest making a game plan ahead of time. Here are several family-friendly trails we recommend hiking.

Laurel Falls Trail, which is a 2.3-mile round-trip hike that begins at a parking lot near the top of Fighting Creek Gap.
Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smokies, and it’s accessible via a ½-mile-long paved trail. It is a reasonably steep climb, but the panoramic views at the top that extend nearly 100 miles are worth the effort.
Rich Mountain Loop Trail is located in Cades Cove and is only mildly challenging, so it should be acceptable for all family members. Because it is a very popular trail, you should park in the campground and make the short walk to the trailhead.

If a country drive is more your speed, enjoy the changing foliage from your car by cruising the Cades Cove Loop, the Foothills Parkway or Balsam Mountain Road.

Leaf Peeping Cheat Sheet

We’ve put together a cheat sheet to help you identify leaves by their fall colors. Once you’ve narrowed down the possibilities, you can reference this leaf identification guide created by the UT Institute of Agriculture to distinguish between them by shape.

American Beech: yellow
Birch: bright yellow
Black Cherry: yellow
Black Maple: glowing yellow
Dogwood: deep red
Hickory: golden bronze
Mountain Ash: yellow
Oak: red, brown, or russet
Red Maple: bright scarlet or orange
Shining Sumac: red
Sourwood: brick red
Sugar Maple: orange-red
Tulip Poplar: golden yellow

Leaf peeping season only comes once a year, so be sure not to miss it! Plan your trip to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies today!

For More Fall Fun in the Smokies, Check Out These Links:

Kid-Friendly Activities on the Peaceful Side

Smartphones and Tablets help leaf peepers make the most of a Fall Smokies Visit

Learn About Appalachian Music and Instruments from the Experts: Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop

Posted on June 8, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

In the Smokies region, history is all around you. Some might think that this history mostly just involves all the historic buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby, but there’s also an important musical legacy available to all who are curious, and there are two experts in Townsend with tons of knowledge on the subject. Connie and Mike Clemmer own the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop and keep an Appalachian musical tradition alive around the world with their handmade dulcimers.
Decades of Knowledge
Mike first began building dulcimers as a hobby in 1976, and eventually he and Connie opened up their shop. Each dulcimer takes weeks to build, using local woods like walnut, sassafras, butternut, cherry, or wormy chestnut, and customers can custom-order their own dulcimer with the soundhole pattern design that suits them.
Plenty of Innovation
Mike invented an instrument called the Ban-Jammer, his own banjo-dulcimer hybrid. Known for its distinct sound, ease of playability, and high-quality construction, the Ban-Jammer is tons of fun for musicians looking for an authentic Eastern Tennessee sound. Mike also created, upon request, a dulcimer called the “Baby Grand,” an extra-large dulcimer with a deep and resonant sound.
Besides both hammered and mountain dulcimers, the shop also offers banjos, guitars, harps, psaltries, lap harps, bohdrans, and even some steel drums and djembes, as well as a huge selection of books and CDs relevant to the Appalachian music scene.
Music for Everyone
Mike famously says, “If you can count to twelve without taking off your shoes, you can play a dulcimer.” That may be true, but musicians still need an audience! At Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, Mike and Connie host free concerts on the “Pickin’ Porch” every Saturday evening, May through September, and all are welcome to bring their camping chairs, relax and enjoy the music and the scenery of the shop’s woodsy location.
Mike and Connie also release their own CDs of mountain music. They actually have a book and CD combo, called Simple Faith & Homestead, that includes 2 CDs and tablature, so that listeners can actually learn to play the songs, whether in time along with the CDs, or on their own.
Fans of the music can also check out the resources they’ve gathered online, especially hours of free videos of their Saturday evening concerts, and clips from Tennessee Home and Farm, Tennessee Crossroads, a PBS special, and other clips that include tours of the shop or interesting facts about dulcimers and Appalachian music.
Come on Down and Visit
Mike and Connie invite everyone to visit them and learn more about the dulcimer and dulcimer music. The shop is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, at 7645 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend. More information, including an online shop (yes, they ship instruments!) is available on their website. Check them out, and whether you’re new to Appalachian music or an expert, you’re guaranteed to learn something before you leave!

Learn About the History of the Region with a Tour of Cades Cove

Posted on March 1, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

If you are coming to the Townsend, TN area for a vacation, a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. And if you really want to learn all about the history of the region, then the best place to do so is by taking a tour of Cades Cove.

A First-Hand View of Cades Cove

If you are looking for a first-hand experience of what it must have been like to live here “back in the day,” then you have only to go inside the park and visit Cades Cove. From long walks through the grassy valleys, hikes in the mountains, a chance to see some of the local wildlife, or a walk through the historic buildings, this is the place to be. You and your family can get a taste of what it was like to live here in the early days.
The Cades Cove Loop Road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to drive, but if you go this fast, you might miss out on a lot. Most of those who come here tend to be here all day since there is so much to see and do.

Things You Might Not Know About Cades Cove

Many of the buildings on display here in Cades Cove have been moved here from elsewhere or were built here after the park opened. For example, the Gregg-Cable House was built out on Forge Creek Road in 1879 by Leason Gregg. Many of the buildings around the John P. Cable Mill have been moved from their original location.
Did you know that the Cades Cove area is the most popular spot in the entire park, bringing in 2 million visitors every year? They come for the hiking trails, the biking opportunities, the spectacular scenery, and the deep history the area has to share with everyone who visits here.

Just Like It Used to Look

Perhaps the one thing that makes Cades Cove the perfect place to learn about the history of the area is the number of historic buildings and structures you get to see as you drive or walk along the route. There are churches, barns, a working grist mill that just got a new waterwheel, plenty of log houses, and many others to see. Make sure you pick up one of the Tour Guide Booklets at the entrance to the loop.
The guide can provide you with a vast amount of information on the various buildings, the park, and the history of the entire region. Be sure you stop by the Cades Cove Visitors Center to learn about the many Park Ranger-led tours scheduled for the day you plan to be here. Between the knowledgeable and friendly staff in the visitors’ center and your tour guide, you can learn all about the history of Cades Cove, the park, and the surrounding area.
When you are all done for the day, be sure you stop back in at the visitors’ center and pick out a few souvenirs to take home with you. No matter what else you do, be sure you take lots of pictures so you can show the folks back home how beautiful the Peaceful Side of the Smokies truly is!

Learn About the Peaceful Side's Native American Heritage

Posted on January 14, 2019 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

A recent article out of Maryville, TN asks a very simple question: “Do you know who lived in your house before you did? How about what stood a century ago on the land where your house now sits?” And it is a good question to ask anyone since few of us could explain who may have lived in our family home or on our family’s land. We might guess that Native Americans may have lived in certain areas, but few of us are certain of the facts.
If you are eager to discover the facts about the Native American history of the Great Smoky Mountains region, you have a rare chance to do so thanks to a permanent display created by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Asking just that same question as the one above (Do you know who lived on your land before you?), but increasing the time to ten thousand years, the museum offers a great deal of information as an answer to it.

Looking Back Thousands of Years in the Smokies’ History

The modern city of Townsend, Tenn. was once the home of the Cherokee people. They lived in the region more than ten thousand years ago and inhabited the area today known as the Tuckaleechee Cove area. The Heritage Center has a collection of more than one thousand artifacts by this ancient people, and even had the Townsend Archaeology Project from 1999 to 2001 in order to gather and curate the collection on display.
Because so many people envision pioneers as settling the area, they overlook that there is a great deal more history to discover prior to the pioneer days. Today, there are still Cherokee people in the area, but there is a difference between those who live today and the ancient Cherokee. Historians and archaeologists even have a specific way to describe them, calling them historic Cherokee since their land holdings actually ran from modern day Cincinnati over to Atlanta and eastward to Asheville, NC as well as westward towards Birmingham, AL. They lived through three different periods, known as the Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian, and visitors can see artifacts dating from all three eras of the historic Cherokee peoples.
It is difficult to imagine a time of hunters and gatherers in modern North America, but this is precisely what the historic Cherokee of the Smokies area were. They followed their animal game and foraged for wild foods. Artifacts include some of the actual arrowheads used in hunting, and even fishing tools and household tools like axes. They were also adept with clay pottery and built wooden structures in which to live.
If you want to learn all that you can about these historic people, the Center’s Native Americans of East Tennessee Collection is on permanent display at the Heritage Center and can be viewed whenever you pay a visit to this fascinating destination.

Learn Why Appalachian Folk Music is Still Being Played in the Smokies

Posted on September 21, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

No matter where you go in the Smoky Mountains, you are sure to hear someone playing Appalachian folk music. It might be coming from one of the many bars, clubs, restaurants, venues, or even on the street corners. What’s funny about this particular genre of music is that no matter what your personal preference in music might be, you can’t help but stop to listen to the banjo and fiddle combinations (along with a vocalist in some instances). Before long, you will likely find your foot tapping along with the tune as the music swells in your soul.
Multiple Influences
The music favored for decades in Appalachia is thought to have its roots in English, Irish, and Scottish ballads and hymns, and later in African-American blues. Over time, this unique blend of vocals, fiddles, and banjos led to the development of other forms of music, including blues and country. Along with the fiddles and banjos, you might also find guitars and the fretted dulcimer being played.
Among the many well-known artists who are known to have been influenced by or played Appalachian music are country stars like Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. But country music artists are not the only ones to be influenced by this form of music. Legends like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Statler Brothers, even Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead) have all play songs from Appalachian music or have rewritten them to suit their musical style.
Appalachian Music Will Never Die
There is an old saying that goes “Rock and roll will never die,” but the same can be said of Appalachian music. With a history dating back centuries, instead of waning in popularity, this beautiful music seems to be growing in popularity. Maybe this simply represents a change in tastes, or perhaps more people have become interested in the roots of the music they prefer and suddenly find themselves lost in the sound of the banjo and fiddle together.
Like many other popular forms of “old-school” music, there are numerous Appalachian music festivals all along the Appalachian mountain range from the Appalachian String Band Music Festival held annually in Clifftop, WV to the Museum of Appalachia’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming that takes place in Clinton, TN every year.
Why do people still love this form of music? There are millions of reasons, but for many, it is the simplicity of the music, the stories told, and the ability to sit back and relax while you take in the melodies. For others, listening to Appalachian music is a great way to get back to the roots of so many different varieties of music being played today.
In the early days, Appalachian folk music was considered to be a great way to bring the entire community together. People would sit on the front porch or stoop, in the town square, or around a big fire just to listen to the music, dance to it, and enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that came with it. Today, it has a similar effect on anyone listening to it; they want to get together to celebrate the music with others, share in the stories, and be washed clean of their normal lives, if only for a few minutes.

Take a few minutes out of your busy day to stop and listen to the many wonderful local musicians on “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” in Blount County, who truly love the music they play.

Let Local Wedding Planners Help You Plan a Winter Wedding in the Smokies

Posted on December 24, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Events

It seems like spring and summer weddings get all the attention when you look at the various wedding planning sites online. Typically, these times of the year are when the majority of weddings take place. But if you are thinking about having a winter wedding, then there is only one place to go: the Smoky Mountains when they are covered with snow. From cinnamon scented rooms to hot cocoa bars, the Smokies during wintertime provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Imagine the magical photos of you and your spouse kissing with the snow falling all around you.
Winter Weddings Take Skillful Planning
Like any wedding, no matter what time of year, a wedding in the Smokies takes careful planning to make sure everything goes off without a hitch. To help you with this, you should consider engaging the services of a skilled wedding planner service. To go one step further, you should use one whose base of operations is close to where you plan to hold the ceremony and reception.

Using local wedding planners can help to keep costs down as they probably have an established list of local vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and so forth for you to choose from. Being local, these vendors won’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs and yours down. As an added advantage, they will likely show up even if it is snowing (unless it’s a blizzard)! Plus, they know the lay of the land and all of the local venues, which can also help with costs and the success of your event.
Here Are Three Highly Recommended Wedding Planners in the Smoky Mountains
If you are going to hire a wedding planner for your winter Smoky Mountain wedding, you need one who comes highly recommended.
Almost Heaven Resort & Weddings
A spectacular location for a sparkling winter wedding, this Smoky Mountain Resort covers 130 acres and includes helping you plan every aspect of your wedding. Almost Heaven can provide you with a full range of services such as catering, flowers, your wedding cake, photography, and private log cabins for your honeymoon. For more information, check out their wedding packages and services here.
Warren Weddings & Events
Warren Weddings & Events can help you plan your ultimate dream wedding in the snow-covered Smokies and serves Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From traditional church weddings to outdoor weddings in the snow and everything you need to make your wedding perfect, Warren is here to help make planning your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. Visit them here to learn more.
Sampson’s Hollow
At Sampson’s Hollow, they love the chance to decorate for a winter wedding. Fences wrapped in garland and evergreen boughs. Staircases and banisters decorated with greenery with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating the entire room. Hot cocoa, spiced hot apple cider, flannel, and so much more. From helping plan your wedding to making sure everyone stays nice and warm throughout your ceremony and ensuing reception, the folks at Sampson’s Hollow provide full-service weddings in beautiful venue choices.
Choosing to have a winter wedding in the Smoky Mountains may be the best decision you could possibly make. From snow-covered fields and mountains to a sleigh ride for the bride and groom. It’s hard to imagine what could be better than the clip-clop of horses’ hooves under cover of snow as the sleigh takes you to your honeymoon cabin! Make your plans now for a winter wonderland wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Lodging Options to Suit Every Need on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on December 19, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging, Smoky Mountains

So, you have decided to book a holiday to the Smokies, and whether it is for the autumn season, the upcoming Christmas holidays or as a winter retreat, you need to have a place to stay. Fortunately, the beauty and the popularity of this region make it necessary for there to be every possible type of accommodation. That means you can find whatever type of lodging you desire.
If you’re traveling to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and if you are traveling alone or with a large group of family or friends, there are places to book that can fit any number of guests—and even some with pet-friendly policies, too.

Types of Lodging in the Smokies

Though you might think that your options might be limited to large hotels or resort-like properties, you can actually choose from:

Bed and Breakfasts
Cabins
Cottages
Hotels
Motels
Campgrounds, and more

The best way to begin narrowing down the options is to start with the general location you hope to spend most of your time. For example, you may be planning a visit at Christmas and eager to spend time in the charmingly decorated and cheerful downtown areas of Maryville or Townsend, perhaps even enjoying one of the Santa Calls visits or an official tree lighting! You’ll have several family members and want to stay in one spot together. Did you know there are cabins that can accommodate groups of ten or more? There are many options of that kind in Blount County as well as the entire region. You can gather together around a fireplace, enjoy time spent playing pool or cooking meals together, and you might even find a hot tub on the deck!
Naturally, you may prefer something like a stay at a traditional hotel, and there are scores of options. Just begin with your location.

Think Group Size

As just noted, the many cabins and lodges of the region are a great choice if you are part of a large group. They can allow everyone to stay under a single roof and relax together in shared spaces while also having private bedrooms, and often private baths. The cabins are also a great way to really experience the scenery and natural surroundings since many are situated outside of town and in wooded areas or ridges with amazing views.
This is not to say that the hotels or motels are a less favorable option, it is simply that memories are often made around dinner tables, game boards, or when sprawled out on sofas in a living room, and this is something cabins offer.
Keep in mind that some of the best resort-style properties also have group packages to ensure a similar opportunity, with everyone just a single door apart! If you are traveling in the winter, some of the resorts will have special offers, too!
Also think about the needs of your group. Will you require handicap accessibility? Perhaps you want to bring your dogs along on vacation? Maybe you would like year-round amenities like a pool or gym. Perhaps camping is more your style and you’d prefer a campground that’s near a stream or has a playground?
The good news is that whatever sort of need or wish you have for lodging on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, you will have many great options! Just book early since this is one of the most popular year-round destinations.

Looking for a Place for Your Destination Wedding in the Smokies? These Venues Are Perfect

Posted on September 26, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Have you ever dreamed of having your wedding in a destination where the view is so stunning, you don’t even need decorations? The Smoky Mountains are ideal for a lovely ceremony. The beautiful weather, the peaceful scenery, and the gorgeous venues make a destination wedding in the Smokies wonderful for any couple. Your guests will love visiting the area and having fun in nearby Pigeon Forge as well! Make your destination wedding dreams come true without worrying about breaking the bank – the Smokies are an affordable place to enjoy true beauty. Here are some of the best venues in the area.
Rustic Beauty at The Lily Barn
Townsend’s Lily Barn is a beautiful place to have a rustic chic wedding. From the covered bridge to the cabins where the groom and bride can get ready, this location has everything you need. They do catering for your reception, so there is no need to worry about getting another vendor. And your photos will be absolutely gorgeous as you explore the many quaint spots all around the property.
Southern Elegance at Colonial Estate
Maybe, rather than a rustic barn, you want the stunning view of the mountains to be all the backdrop you need. Maryville’s Colonial Estate offers an elegant setting for a ceremony. Walk down the aisle at this destination wedding location in the Smokies with the mountains framing the gazebo where you’ll exchange vows in front of your intimate wedding party.
Contemporary Meets Traditional Charm at Sampson’s Hollow
Located in Walland, Sampson’s Hollow is a property that allows for whatever kind of mountain wedding you want. Enjoy a barn ceremony, an outdoor ceremony at the Foundry, and more. The private space is perfect for having an all-day affair to celebrate your new life together. There is even a honeymoon cabin on the property for the wedding night.
Tying the Knot in the Smokies
There are many other places to host a lovely destination wedding in the Smokies. From the Townsend Hill Vineyard to the Heartland Wedding Chapel, there is something to suit any kind of couple. Getting hitched here in the mountains is a tradition for people from around the world. The area offers tons of options for vendors and wedding planners, as well as luxury cabin rentals for the honeymoon. Imagine starting your new life together by waking up to the stunning view of the sun rising over mountain peaks right outside the bedroom window.
Blount County is one of the most romantic areas in the Smokies, and is just a short drive away from lots of fun in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as well!

Looking for Adventure in the Smokies? Here are 3 Motorcycle Rides You Shouldn't Miss

Posted on September 14, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

The scenery in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding areas are nothing short of spectacular. For those of you who love to ride, the Smoky Mountains are the perfect place, whether you prefer a touring bike, a sport-bike, or a cruiser. No matter where you ride in the mountains, you are sure to enjoy majestic mountain views, dense, luscious forests, and numerous cascading waterfalls. There are virtually hundreds of miles of road you might think have been built just for motorcyclists. If you are riding to the area or bringing your bike along on a trailer, here are three amazing rides you simply can’t afford to miss.
The Tail of the Dragon
The Tail of the Dragon is considered to be one of the most famous motorcycle rides in the country. The start is just a short ride from Gatlinburg to US-129. The road runs for 11 miles from the state line at Deal’s Gap and runs through some of the most incredible areas of the park. During your ride, you will encounter no less than 318 different curves, ranging from gentle swoops to twisting turns that will have you laying your bike over to almost horizontal. The speed limit of 30 mph is heavily enforced as this section of US-129, and its steep descents and twisting curves, make it almost impossible not to feel like twisting the throttle. While the scenery is fantastic, the nearest emergency room is in Maryville, TN, nearly an hour away. Take it easy, enjoy the ride and, of course, watch for other vehicles and changing road conditions.
The Cherohala Skyway
Looking for a long stretch of twisting highway with less traffic and law enforcement? The Cherohala Skyway offers you a lightly traveled twisting and turning ride that lasts for the 23 miles from Tellico Plains here in Tennessee all the way to Robbinsville in South Carolina. This ride will take you up to 5400 feet in elevation and offers spectacular views of the Nantahala and Cherokee National Forests along the way. It will take you about 2 hours to get to the start of the ride from Gatlinburg, but this is one of the most spectacular motorcycle rides in the Smokies.
The Little River Gorge Road
While traffic on this road can be heavy, depending on the time of day, it does offer incredible views of the scenery along with several waterfalls along the way. The ride starts at Cades Coves in the park and takes you into the southwest corner of the park. Be sure you pay attention to the speed limits in the park as they are heavily enforced by the National Park Service. Your route will take you along the Little River Gorge Road running beside the river, a road which can be heavily congested depending on the time of day you choose to venture out.
This is only a sample of the countless fantastic motorcycle rides to be found in the Gatlinburg, TN area. Always wear your helmet and safety gear when you ride, keep a close eye out for other motorists in the area, and you will go home with some amazing photos, memories, and stories of your rides.

Luxury Stays on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies: Walland, Townsend and Maryville

Posted on February 20, 2026 by bpintern - Blog, Lodging

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

Quiet is a luxury. The Peaceful Side of the Smokies has everything you need, minus the noise.

McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) connects the region to more than 30 nonstop destinations. From the airport, it’s roughly a 13-minute drive to Maryville, 25 minutes to Walland and 34 minutes to Townsend, depending on traffic.

From full-service destination resorts to lodge-style retreats, these are the Peaceful Side’s top luxury stays.

Destination Resorts in Walland

Walland is home to two of the region’s most nationally recognized luxury properties. Both are set in the foothills on expansive private land, with on-site dining and guided experiences built into the stay.

Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm operates like a self-contained estate, with 68 guest accommodations ranging from rooms and suites to cottages and multi-bedroom houses. It was named the No. 1 resort in the South in Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards and was also recognized on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Gold List.

The Farm’s culinary program centers on its Foothills Cuisine. The Barn serves multi-course dinners, and Food & Wine named Blackberry Farm the Best U.S. Hotel for Food and Drink in its 2025 Global Tastemakers Awards.

Guests can build their days around a schedule of guided experiences, from fly fishing and horseback rides to tastings and farm tours. On-property hiking spans a 12-mile trail network, with routes ranging from moderate to challenging.

Blackberry Mountain

Blackberry Mountain takes a more modern approach to the same foothill setting, spanning 5,200 acres and dedicating 2,800 acres to conservation. Accommodations include lodge stays as well as standalone options, ranging from cottages and treehouses to cabins and multi-bedroom homes. In 2024, Travel + Leisure readers ranked it the No. 2 resort in the South.

Three Sisters, the flagship restaurant in the Lodge, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a dinner menu that changes daily and an international beverage list. Firetower, built around a restored 1950s lookout tower, offers a three-course dinner experience with sunset ridgeline views.

The property emphasizes movement and recovery, with more than 36 miles of private trails, plus an indoor climbing wall and a ropes course. Nest, the on-property spa, is the first Joanna Czech–certified spa in the United States.

Elevated Stays in Townsend

Townsend sits along the route into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via US-321/TN-73, which runs through town and into the park. The town’s standout stays combine direct park access with on-site amenities, dining options and curated add-ons.

Dancing Bear Lodge

Dancing Bear Lodge & Appalachian Bistro covers 38 acres and offers 28 accommodations. Room categories range from studio-style cabins to two-bedroom cottages and villas with full kitchens, fireplaces and hot tubs.

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has earned national recognition, including a spot on OpenTable’s 2026 list of Top 100 Romantic Restaurants. It also appeared on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the U.S., placing at No. 21.

The property has about two miles of trails for walking, plus add-ons like in-cabin massage and reservations for off-site excursions like fly fishing, horseback riding and clay shooting.

Little Arrow Outdoor Resort

Little Arrow takes a premium-outdoors approach in Townsend, with accommodations that span glamping tents, cabins, tiny homes, Airstreams, vacation homes and full-hookup RV sites. It earned a No. 3 ranking for Best Glamping Spot and a No. 6 ranking for Best RV Campground in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

Amenities include a 24/7 coffee lounge, a zero-entry pool with grottos, splash pad and hot tub, sport courts, a dog park, and river access points for swimming and fishing. Spa time is part of the mix, too.

Tremont Lodge & Resort

Tremont Lodge & Resort is a newly renovated property with updated room and suite options. Many rooms include a Keurig coffee setup, mini-fridge, microwave, and a patio or balcony. Select suites add extras like a fireplace and a full kitchen.

On-site dining is limited but covered in the morning with a complimentary continental breakfast. A pool bar opens later in the day. Other amenities include a fitness center, game room, outdoor movie screen, outdoor and indoor pool, firepit area and pavilion.

Boutique Comfort in Maryville

Maryville is closest to the airport, but it still sits on the corridor that leads through Townsend and into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has more city amenities, while still offering quieter places to stay.

RT Lodge

RT Lodge sits on the campus of Maryville College, surrounded by more than 155 acres of private woods. Guest rooms are simple but elegant, with a king or two single beds finished with luxury linens.

The Restaurant at RT Lodge is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, one of only a handful of East Tennessee restaurants to earn the distinction. The kitchen shapes its menus around what’s in season, with ingredients sourced from local farms and regional providers. Dinner is offered both à la carte and as a tasting menu. The Morningside Room serves cocktails, rotating local beers and a curated wine selection, plus bar snacks and a casual dinner menu.

Recently, the property expanded with The Carriage House, a dedicated day spa with seven treatment rooms offering massages, facials and body treatments, along with private lounge areas and a sauna. The Meeting House is another new addition, a glass-walled event space designed for weddings, retreats and corporate gatherings.

Evenings at RT Lodge close softly with complimentary s’mores at the firepit.

Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.

Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Home Base for Smoky Mountain Adventures

Posted on June 11, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog

Ahh, the great Smoky Mountains! Unbeatable nature, crisp, clean air, lush forests, picture-perfect views, sitting in traffic, crowded streets, packed hotels, long lines… Wait a minute! Something’s not right here!
The Smokies are Getting Busy
Now that word has gotten out about the amazing recreation opportunities in the Smokies region, those who like a little more hustle and bustle in their vacation – and are willing to deal with all the related complications – feel right at home in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. However, a “go go go” environment, all day and on into the night, isn’t for everyone.
If you want to make sure your R&R includes both rest and relaxation, the peaceful side of the Smokies, in Blount County, Tennessee, could be just the place you’re looking for as a base for all your Smoky Mountain adventures.
There’s So Much to Do
While Blount County is conveniently located near all the sights, sounds, and attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, as well as beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there’s plenty to do locally. Vacation highlights could include hiking at some of the famous trails in the region, including the Cades Cove trail, the Abrams Falls Trailhead, the Ace Gap Trail, and the Shadows of the Past hiking and biking trail. River runners can try out some tubing or kayaking on the Little River, and golfers can take advantage of any one (or more!) of the five golf courses within spitting distance.
Looking for arts and entertainment? Check out venues like Brackin’s Blues Club in Maryville, give yourself the classic American drive-in movie experience at the Parkway Drive-in Theater, or take in a performance from the Appalachian Ballet Company.

Blount County also plays host to a number of different festivals, including the Townsend Spring and Fall Festivals, the Smoky Mountain Classic — which many consider to be the nation’s premier softball tournament — Summer on Broadway, Hops in the Hills, and the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games, among others.
Lodging for Every Taste
It’s not a home-away-from-home unless it’s just the kind of relaxation that you’re looking for. Luckily, the peaceful side of the Smokies has something for every taste, from those who like to “rough it” at campgrounds, to the people who prefer the spa treatment at luxury resorts.
If you are a cabin enthusiast or a camper, you’re in luck! There are hundreds of great cabin rentals. If you’re looking for a river view, check out River Bluff Cabins, and Smoky Mountain Golden Cabins is perfect for those looking for secluded mountain vistas. Tent campers can go “glamping” at the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, and there are many other tent and RV campgrounds throughout the region. Bed & breakfasts abound, as well!
For those that prefer hotels, the options are still limitless. Headrick’s River Breeze and the Highland Manor Inn are both family-owned hotels that offer great value for your money and classic Southern hospitality. Lots of big hotel chains are also represented in the area, as well. Places like Dancing Bear Lodge offer upscale relaxation, with cabin rentals, lofts, or villas, and an onsite farm-to-table restaurant. Blackberry Farm offers the high-end luxury resort experience, with spa treatments like facials and massages, activities like archery, paddle sports, and clay pigeon shooting, and lodging options from hotel rooms to rental homes.
Interested in Your Next Home Base? Check Out This Home Page
For more details on what to see and do on the peaceful side of the Smokies in Blount County, Tennessee, make sure to check out the official website. Packed with information on the possibilities available, it’s one-stop-shopping for anyone interested in the region. Check it out today!

Make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies Your Vacation Destination This Fall

Posted on October 11, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Although summers in eastern Tennessee on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies are spectacular, fall has its own beauty that continues to make it the perfect destination for your next vacation. Coming here in the fall brings with it cooler, drier weather, that makes going for hikes to see the incredible foliage very comfortable; the only thing you might need is a light jacket. The entire area has plenty to offer in terms of hikes, festivals, and more. Here are a few of them for you to consider.
The Townsend Heritage Festival
Held the 28th and 29th of September, the Townsend Heritage Festival is a celebration of Bluegrass music, food, arts & crafts, and offers a range of fall activities sure to be fun for everyone. Grab some lawn chairs, a picnic blanket, and the whole family. There will be dozens of local vendors, on-site demonstrations, and many other activities sponsored by local merchants and local craftsmen and women.
Why Not Go for a Hike?
The fall scenery on this side of the Smokies is nothing less than spectacular. The leaves are incredible with colors that cover every imaginable shade of green, gold, orange, yellow, and red. There are plenty of trails to check out in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Bringing your pup along with you? Try the Gatlinburg Trail; it’s one of the only trails in the park that allows dogs. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and carry poop bags to clean up any messes they make.
Take a Hayride Tour
If you are looking for a family activity that everyone will enjoy, head over to the Cades Cove Riding Stables. Here you and the family can go on a hayride tour of the stunning scenery as you ride along the Cades Cove Loop. Along the way, your tour guide will talk to you about the history of the area along with some of the folklore; it’s a beautiful way to spend a little of your day and an excellent experience for the whole family.
It’s Spooky Time
Fall is “Spooky Time” for many across the country as Halloween rapidly approaches. If you like to feel the tingle of fear running up and down your spine, you should add a trip to the Elkmont Historic District in your plans. The vacation homes here were abandoned back in the 1900s and have been left sitting just as they were left. The homes are located inside the Great Smoky Mountain National Park; they make a perfectly “safe” way to get your thrills and chills.
Up for a Challenge?
If you are up for the challenge, make the trek to the top of Clingmans Dome. The Dome is the tallest point in the entire park and offers a spectacular view of the mountains in all their fall splendor. It’s a bit of a challenge, but you will find it well worth the effort.
These are only a few of the countless reasons why you need to make the Peaceful Side of the Smokies your vacation destination this fall. There is so much to see and do here; you will find yourself coming back year after year just to make sure you haven’t missed anything!